What does 49 CFR 396.21 (Periodic inspection recordkeeping requirements) require?

Short answer

The regulation requires six things, and you need all of them:

1. Identification of the individual performing the inspection

2. Identification of the motor carrier operating the vehicle or intermodal equipment provider

3. Identification of the date of the inspection

4. Identification of the vehicle inspected

5. Identification of the vehicle components inspected and description of the results

6. Certification of the accuracy and completeness of the inspection

The rule says

"The qualified inspector performing the inspection shall prepare a report that: (1) Identifies the individual performing the inspection; (2) Identifies the motor carrier operating the vehicle or intermodal equipment provider intending to interchange the vehicle to a motor carrier; (3) Identifies the date of the inspection; (4) Identifies the vehicle inspected; (5) Identifies the vehicle components inspected and describes the results of the inspection, including the identification of those components not meeting the minimum standards set forth in appendix A to this part; and (6) Certifies the accuracy and completeness of the inspection as complying with all the requirements of this section." (49 CFR 396.21(a))

In plain English

This rule is about making sure that inspections of commercial vehicles are done properly and that the results are recorded accurately. The inspector has to identify themselves, the company they work for, the date of the inspection, the vehicle being inspected, and what parts of the vehicle were checked. They also have to say whether the vehicle passed or failed the inspection, and certify that they did the inspection correctly.

What to do

• Assign a qualified inspector to perform the inspection and prepare the report
• Ensure the report includes all required information, including identification of the inspector, motor carrier, date, vehicle, and results of the inspection
• Certify the accuracy and completeness of the inspection
• Retain the original or a copy of the inspection report for 14 months from the date of the inspection
• Make the inspection report available for inspection upon demand of an authorized Federal, State, or local official